Control of tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) with the aid of attractants

A high degree of control of some Glossina spp. can be achieved by trapping. This is mainly because of their adenotrophic vivaparity, and consequently very low intrinsic rates of population increase. Calculations based on basic life table data have shown that it is only necessary to catch some 1-4% of the female population per day in order to achieve effective control. This is at least 8 times less than that required for Anopheles albimanus. Much attention has been given to the size and shape of traps. In general for the Palpalis Group of species, the vertically oriented biconical trap and its derivatives are highly effective, whereas for the Morsitans Group compact or horizontally oriented shapes are more attractive. Royal blue is highly attractive, and strongest landing responses are induced either on dark surfaces or those strongly reflective in the ultraviolet. Only carbon dioxide has been identified as an attractant for the Palpalis Group, but its use in traps is impractical. In contrast, a number of attractive compounds have been identified for the Morsitans Group, but there is much variation between species and within a species at various locations. A cocktail of all known attractants, except carbon dioxide, can increase trap captures of Glossina pallidipes by 15-20 times. Attractive substances in host breath include acetone, and in urine, 4-methyl phenol and 3-n-propyl phenol. The new generation of traps, or so-called targets, usually insecticide-impregnated that do not retain attracted flies, can be highly effective for controlling tsetse populations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)